Re-visiting the bylanes off Kala Ghoda

Kala Ghoda

The Black Horse

For many years now , the black equestrian statue of King Edward that gave KalaGhoda its name has lain in Mumbai’s zoo. Well, it’s still languishing there but this afternoon, I was surprised to see a spanking sculpture of a Black Horse stomping its right leg in the middle of the car park at KalaGhoda.

Finally! The place has been restored to its original name and what a change with it. Ever since KalaGhoda Cafe opened up, the precinct has slowly seen a change from dowdy to chic. With many interesting eateries like the Pantry to keep company to the iconic Trishna, these by lanes off KalaGhoda are an interesting place to spend a few hours.

Sabyasachi’s visual treat

Starting out at the periphery, we stepped into Sabyasachi’s store at Ador House. Undoubtedly, its clothes are way beyond the reach of the average Jane but what a magnificent shop! As your eyes get used to the darkness, glistening chandeliers, antique clocks and the solemn faces of Indian Gods and godesses stare back at you as you step on the ancient Persian carpets. The charm and magic of the store takes you back in time amid gowns of opulent splendour. How easy it is to imagine those gorgeous creations in silk, velvet and net, embellished with zardosi, crystals and beads, worn by languorous beauties at a royal court.

The Invitations from Hacienda

This former art gallery has now been converted into a boutique selling bridal lehengas, jewellery and the occasional art work by a Jaipur artist. But the front end of the shop has the most ornate, over-the-top invitations for the Big Fat Indian Wedding. I simply love browsing through this shop with it gorgeous, luxury wares.

More horsing around

Right next to the blue synagogue, the outer wall of Manish Malhotra’s new shop has a gorgeous multicoloured horse leaping on to unattended cars. Thank you Asian Paints for bringing this yellow ochre wall to life with this gorgeous piece of funkiness.

The Great Indian Rope Trick

Right next to Filter, another shop that sells unique Mumbai Mementos, I was struck by a few pieces of in a framed shop window.

Man stepping outside Filter

The Great Indian Rope Trick

New Couture

All in all, the growing number of boutiques and eateries in these bye lanes off Kala Ghoda continue to make this once dowdy and gloomy office area into a buzzing hip and happening place.

The next time you want a breather in this big bustling metropolis, wander through these tiny lanes for a bit of funky shopping.

Who am I?

A granny who always sees the humour in life and tries to do things differently. When others make cupcakes, this granny makes banana fritters.
When she’s not busy chasing her grandchildren who love making her run around, she indulges in her passions of reading, writing, meeting friends and watching movies. And somewhere between all this she enjoys travelling and cooking!